News

The Sunday Times today has picked up on the latest twist in the redevelopment of Euston to accommodate HS2 at the station. The 'glittering gateway' envisoned by George Osborne has reverted to a ‘lean-to shed’. Supporters of the project never tire of describing HS2 as transformative, although it is unlikely they had this in mind. Camden Council said there was no prospect of a comprehensive redevelopment of Euston for at least 25 years, leaving the London terminus for the high-speed…

HS2 has the potential to ‘destroy’ Brackley, according to the duo who represented the town in Westminster this week. High speed trains will thunder 1km from homes but town councillors think families are unaware of the impact. Brackley Town Councillor Mark Morrell and town clerk Linda Carter told MPs that the effects on traffic, economy and tourism could be ‘catastrophic’. Mr Morrell said: “This has the potential to destroy the town. “That’s why we need to shock people because I’m…

At a meeting organised by HS2 Ltd on Monday 23 February 2015, members of the local community and Camden Council were briefed about the scheme for Euston HS2 plan to take to the Secretary of State in March. Following the meeting Councillor Sarah Hayward, Leader of Camden Council, said: “We’re pretty appalled by what we were shown at the Euston Community meeting on Monday night. Government ministers promised that the community would be consulted on options for a comprehensive redevelopment…

HS2 Ltd has now unveiled the third different official proposal for Euston in the last two years, costing around £2.6billion. Despite another increase in the budget for this part of the project, the scheme has all the hallmarks of trying to save money. We are back to the kind of design solution heavily criticised by the Chancellor last year. The impact of the latest change of heart on the construction timetable may be significant. It is certain Euston commuters will…

HS2 chiefs have performed an “astonishing” triple u-turn after appearing to ditch the plan to demolish Euston Station in favour of an old scheme that was scrapped last year following an intervention by the Chancellor George Osborne. Rupert Walker, HS2's Euston supremo, unveiled the latest tranche of design slides in the Surma Centre in Hampstead Road to a private meeting of rail officials and Camden community reps on Monday night. The slides show a return to the idea of wedging…

Land once earmarked for a high speed rail maintenance yard has been freed for immediate development and the creation of up to 2,334 jobs, it has been revealed. Parts of the former LDV and Alstom sites in Washwood Heath can now be used for industrial development after the HS2 company agreed to give up its claim on the land following protests from Birmingham City Council and local MPs. The land is part of a package of development sites, totalling 3.7 million sq ft, and…

HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEE HS2 (LONDON – WEST MIDLANDS) BILL PROGRAMME All appearance dates and sitting times are subject to progress and may vary at short notice For the up-to-date detail click on the following link Hybrid Bill 18.02.15 revised programme 22 February

London’s population is forecast to hit 10 million in 2030 and it’s difficult to see how the transport system will cope. Already a high proportion of commuters endure severe overcrowding, standing in jam-packed carriages or even struggling to find enough space to get on trains. The government sees additional rail capacity as the best way to address rising demand. But this is unrealistic. With further spending cuts needed to reduce government debt, there is no way the Treasury will be…

This update will focus on progress in Select Committee hearings, the upcoming hearings for the Colne Valley (including support we will be offering) and details on the HS2 fly-through. Select Committee update (correct at 20 February 2015) The Select Committee has continued to hear from petitioners in the last three weeks. Notably Jeremy Wright MP was heard on the 11 February 2015. Mr Wright focused on summing up his constituents’ petition points and bringing together all the arguments in one…

News

The Sunday Times today has picked up on the latest twist in the redevelopment of Euston to accommodate HS2 at the station. The 'glittering gateway' envisoned by George Osborne has reverted to a ‘lean-to shed’. Supporters of the project never…

HS2 has the potential to ‘destroy’ Brackley, according to the duo who represented the town in Westminster this week. High speed trains will thunder 1km from homes but town councillors think families are unaware of the impact. Brackley Town Councillor…